When does a jogger become a runner and when are you clearly insane

You put on running shoes you get out there. Well done! Ever wondered at what point a jogger becomes a runner, when are you considered a serious runner and at what point are you simply crazy?

It’s got nothing to do with how fast you are!

Over many runs and drinks my running friends and I think we have it figured out. Let me know if we missed any additional questions or categories 🙂

Have a little fin with this quiz (you have to keep score at home, since I am not collecting your data for nefarious purposes 🙂

How do you score points? For each question, read all the answers. Pick the highest scoring answer that applies to you. For most questions you can score a maximum of 4 points (a couple of questions have a 5 point answer).

Running shoes:

You bought a pair (1 pt)

You have retired a pair and bought another (2 pts)

You don’t know how many pairs you have (3 pts)

You have at least three types of running shoes for different road/trail conditions (e.g. cross-country spikes, ice bugs, trail shoes, etc…) (4 pts)

Touch your toes? Are you kidding, even after a good warm up and rolling session not a chance! Besides I hear that if you are too flexible it can affect the power of your stride (4 pts)

Physio:

You had to take a break in running because of an injury (1 pt)

You have seen a physio/ART/sports massage to treat an injury (2 pt)

When you train for your next race, it’s not a question of if you will see your physio person but when and how often (3 pts)

You can get a last minute appointment physio person even when they are booked (4 pts)

Vacations:

Vacations are a break from running, but I get lots of steps in! ( 1 pt)

A vacation is a chance to get in a run somewhere interesting (2 pts)

Vacations are selected based on races you want to run… Let’s plan a trip to Chicago in October or maybe London in the spring! (3 pts)

You have no say in family vacations, because you have chewed up all your good will with your significant other by traveling to races. So, to stay in your significant other’s good graces if they ask for a vacation in Hawaii the weekend of your longest training run, you do your longest training run at 4 AM before the flight. (4 pts)

Blisters:

Running gave you a blister (1 pt)

Running gave you a blister but you broke out the bandaids and moleskin and made it out for your next run (2 pts)

Blood blister, ugh (3 pts)

You have popped a blood blister mid-race and kept going (4 pts)

Your attitude towards running when tired:

I got out the door, mission accomplished (1 pt)

I may not feel like running, but I know that after the run I will be glad I did it (2 pts)

Winter miles bring spring smiles, can’t skip a training run! (3 pts)

Embrace the suck! (4 pts)

Running nutrition:

Water is all I need on a run (1 pt)

You use chomps or gels on long runs (2 pts)

You have a favorite gel brand and flavor, but in a pinch whatever your running partner brought will help (3 pts)

You make your own nutrition (gels/snacks) for running (4 pts)

Diet:

I ran, I earned a treat! (1 pt)

I am going running, better be careful what I have for breakfast beforehand (2 pts)

You’ve started reading articles about what to what to eat during training and pre-race (3 pts)